Blue Revolution: Govt earmarks Rs 52000 lakh

Under the Blue Revolution the govt intends to enhance fisheries production from 10.79 mmt (2014-15) to 15 mmt in 2020-21 through creating an enabling environment for an integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries for the socio economic development of the fishers and fish farmers.

The govt has identified 20 States based on their potential and other relevant factors to strengthen the Fish Seed infrastructure in the country. This program with a total expenditure of about Rs. 52000 lakh will facilitate the establishment of hatcheries and Fingerling rearing pond to ensure the fish production of 426 crores fish fingerling, 25.50 crores Post Larvae of shrimp and crab in the country.

Greater emphasis will be on infrastructure with an equally strong focus on management and conservation of the resources through technology transfer to increase in the income of the fishers and fish farmers.

Productivity enhancement shall also be achieved through employing the best global innovations and integration of various production oriented activities such as: Production of quality fish seeds, Cost effective feed and adoption of technology etc.

Fish Fingerling production is the single most important critical input visualised to achieve fish production targets under the Blue Revolution. Barring a few States, all States are in need of Fingerling production (standard size 80-100 mm). Use of High Yielding Verities of brooders is another significant aspect to be addressed on priority.

This will converge in the production of 20 lakh tonnes of fish annually and will benefit about 4 million families. The implementation of this program will supplement the requirement of stocking materials in the country up to a large extent, which is a much needed input to achieve the enhanced fish production.